Orioles news: Zach Eflin dominates, bye bye Jean Segura, and somehow more injuries

We'll start with the good news, because Zach Eflin was absolutely masterful in his return from the IL. Eflin started Sunday's matchup against the Rockies in Colorado and put together arguably his most impressive start in an Orioles uniform so far.

In total, Eflin allowed just one run in 7 innings pitched, notching 9 strikeouts to just 1 walk. He started the afternoon with 5 perfect innings and would allow just one run on 4 hits and a walk in his final two innings.

Eflin's showing was a much needed breath of fresh air for a team that's struggled to keep its head above water since the All Star break. Albert Suarez has been the team's most consistent starter over the past month, while O's number one Corbin Burnes had the worst month of his career in August. Plus, there's still little in the way of news regarding the eventual return of Grayson Rodriguez.

This version of Eflin is going to be vital for the Orioles down the stretch. He'll tentatively line up to face the Rays this coming weekend and will be a major factor in the O's battle against the Yankees in the AL East.

Infielder Jean Segura demands out of the Orioles organization

The Orioles inked former All-Star Jean Segura to a minor league contract just a couple weeks ago but the aging veteran had seen enough of Triple-A and requested his release from the organization.

It's possible that Segura will have other suitors in free agency, as he was a productive player as recently as 2022. However, he was awful with the Marlins in 2023 and hasn't played in a major league game since July of last year.

Segura received limited playing time with the Tides but didn't provide much optimism with a .137/.250/.196 slash line and iffy defense. It seems unlikely that he'll wind up with a contender considering how he's played over the last two seasons and it's not clear if he's willing to play for a team that's out of playoff contention.

MLB Trade Rumors suggested that Segura could be considering retirement but if that's the case, there hasn't been any specific reporting on his mindset as of Monday morning.

Ramon Urias lands on the IL with an ankle injury

On Sunday afternoon, the Orioles announced that utility infielder Ramon Urias has been placed on the IL with a right ankle sprain. Urias has been a particularly useful option for Brandon Hyde and the O's throughout the year, hitting .252/.327/.427 with 10 homers and excellent plate discipline.

Urias has seen his usage rate go up in the wake of Jordan Westburg's absence but he's been an essential piece for the Orioles all year. Though he isn't a great defender anywhere, he has the ability to shift all over the infield in a pinch. He hasn't been needed at shortstop with the ascension of Gunnar Henderson but he has played some respectable defense at the 6 in the past.

It's unclear as of now how long Urias will be out. In his stead, the Orioles went back to the well with top prospect Coby Mayo, who notched a hit and a run in two plate appearances on Sunday. If Mayo can play up to his expectations, Urias' absence will be negated. However, if Mayo struggles again, Hyde and the O's will be in a pinch trying to solve yet another roster hole created by injury.